Sweet and Tangy Triple Citrus Butter Cookies with Glaze
These tender butter cookies burst with bright flavors from fresh orange, lime, and lemon zest and juice. The soft, cake-like texture comes from creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, while triple citrus creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Finished with a glossy citrus glaze, these cookies are ideal for spring gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you crave sunshine in cookie form. The vibrant zest makes each bite aromatic and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp lime zest
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cup unbleached all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1moderate
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- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milkplant milk1:1highFull guide →
- 1 tbsp orange zest, for glaze
- 1 tbsp lime zest, for glaze
- 1 tbsp lemon zest, for glaze
- 1 tbsp citrus juice, orange, lime, or lemon for glaze
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Cream butter until fluffy, then beat in sugar until smooth and creamy
- 3
Mix in egg, scraping bowl sides as needed
- 4
Add all citrus zest and juice, mix until combined
- 5
In separate bowl, mix flour and salt
- 6
Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing just until combined
- 7
Scoop dough with tablespoon and roll into one-inch balls
- 8
Place on baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes
- 9
Cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
- 10
For glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and citrus zest and juice until smooth
- 11
Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle extra zest if desired
Tips
Use room temperature butter for best creaming results and fluffy texture
Don't overmix once flour is added to prevent tough cookies
Adjust glaze consistency with more powdered sugar to thicken or more juice to thin
Good to Know
Store in airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature
Cookies can be made 1 day ahead before glazing
Serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies
Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent melting
Use fresh citrus zest for best flavor impact
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I use only one type of citrus instead of three?
Yes, you can use just orange, lemon, or lime zest and juice, but use the same total amounts for balanced flavor.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months or baked unglazed cookies for 1 month.